CAUSAL REWRITE-SNOWMAN

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Snowman10

Needs a Title

With a rise in global interest in sustainable energy in recent times, solar power has become an achievable way of addressing climate change. The environmental impact of solar panels that are wasted, however, is a dark side that often slips unnoticed behind the surface of its eco-friendly reputation. As discussed in “The Dark Side of Solar Power” by Atalay Atasu, Serasu Duran, and Luk N. Van Wassenhove, the disposal of used solar panels is a major issue because a large number of them wind up in landfills.

Solar panels have a bright future ahead of them, as stated in “The Future of Solar is Bright”. Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels are becoming more and more popular, which implies a bright future in renewable energy. But the love for solar energy needs to be balanced with an objective view of its implications for the future.

The number of solar panels that need to be got rid of grows along with the number of solar panel setups. According to “The Dark Side of Solar Power,” a large percentage of these panels wind up in landfills, adding to environmental pollution, due to a lack of efficient recycling infrastructure. The correlation between the increasing number of solar panels and the degradation of the environment serves as a moving symbol of the accidental effects of fast advances in technology.

There is, however, reason for think in spite these fears. Despite the environmental challenges, a study by researchers reported in “Researchers find benefits of solar power outweigh costs” shows that the advantages of solar photovoltaics outweigh their drawbacks. The decrease in PV costs over a seven-year period was greater than the decline in value. By 2017, the advantages of solar PV systems for the market, health, and climate surpassed their expenses.

This result highlights an important cause-and-effect relationship: while increasing use of solar power has major benefits, it also brings with it major difficulties for the environment. It is essential to keep spending on solar power, but for it to minimize its impact on the environment, environmentally friendly techniques must also be utilized.

In summary, the plot of solar energy is one of principle, in which environmental issues and potential for renewable energy live together. Understanding and resolving the root cause of causal dynamics will help us move toward a time when clean energy is both high and sustainable.

References

Kerr, E. (2019, March 21). The Future of Solar is Bright. Science in the News; Harvard University. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/future-solar-bright/

Atasu, A., Duran, S., & Van Wassenhove, L. N. (2021, June 18). The Dark Side of Solar Power. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-dark-side-of-solar-power

Stauffer, N. (2020, June 23). Researchers find benefits of solar photovoltaics outweigh costs. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2020/researchers-find-solar-photovoltaics-benefits-outweigh-costs-0623

Posted in Causal Rewrite, Portfolio—Snowman, Snowman | 9 Comments

Causal Rewrite — Holistic25

Posted on March 16, 2024 by holistic25

Claim Back Your Health

Here’s the scoop: our toxic laden environment promotes cancer, disproportionately more potent in the setting of our homes. Reduced to the confines of the four walls of your room, petrochemicals become concentrated, thus being more liable to wreak havoc on human health. To understand why petrochemicals are so harmful to human health, it is necessary to understand not just what the materials are in your conventional mattress, bedding, and furniture, but what these materials are made from.

A study conducted at the Australian National University in Canberran examined the effect of natural versus synthetic bedding on children. Encompassing 863 children, an initial infant survey was conducted followed by an asthma study 7 years later. The majority of children were exposed to a single synthetic fiber type (64%) while about a third were exposed to natural-fiber bedding, and the rest had multi-synthetic fiber bedding. The results were startling: the children who slept in the multi-synthetic bedding were over two times more likely to develop wheezing in the night versus their counterparts with the natural fiber bedding.

There is an abundance of concern when it comes to an already vulnerable population such as infants, whose tolerance for toxic load is far less than that of an adult. In infancy, a child’s kidneys, your body’s main mechanism for filtrating toxins, are not yet fully developed. The introduction to an alarming number of petrochemicals when organs are still developing is nothing short of overload for this population.

Demonstrating the alarming rate at which petrochemicals in the 21st century appear in the environment, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigated the impact on the composition of breast milk in relation to fire retardants. In the assessment of the breast milk pertaining to mothers across the United States, it was concluded that “Milk from two study participants contained the highest levels of fire retardants ever reported in the United States, and milk from several of the mothers in EWG’s study had among the highest levels of these chemicals yet detected worldwide.” Of the 20 first time mothers accounted for, the amount of these specific flame retardants in their breast milk were 75 times greater than the average of all accounted for European studies at the time.

Further contributing to the problem is the chemical giant, Dupont. Their Teflon product is used for the purpose of being water and stain repellent, yet DuPont has been on the hook for $10.25 million for not disclosing the treacherous chemical in their product, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). DuPont’s lack of disclosure regarding PFOA was eventually discovered by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA faulted DuPont in these accusations for not properly disclosing the company studies DuPont possessed centered around the chemical PFOA. It was found that DuPont never released a company study that showed two out of every 5 babies born to DuPont plant employees had eye and face deformities, a common side effect of PFOA.

Illustrating the consequences of an unregulated mattress industry, it takes facing the health consequences before addressing the problem. Unfortunately, that’s what happened in the “Smelly Bed” recall in January of 2002, resulting in tens of thousands of mattresses being recalled due to TCA (trichloroanisole) contamination by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This rascal of a chemical causes irritation with direct contact or inhalation, producing severe burns to the eyes and skin, accompanied with swelling of the lungs and throat. This bad batch of tens of thousands of mattresses came from polyurethane foam-based mattresses.

Not only are young children vulnerable from the standpoint of lacking the ability to filtrate toxins due to incomplete organ development, but also from a practicality standpoint. They breathe faster than the average adult, and they spend the majority of their day sleeping in crib mattresses. A study analyzing 20 crib mattresses sought to evaluate their potential toxic emissions. Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were measured at greater rates in polyurethane foam mattresses. These gasses vaporized at room temperature lead to symptoms such as nose, eye, throat, and lung irritation. As well, defects of the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys have been associated with VOC’s.

With all this evidence in opposition to petroleum based products, what can be offered as a solution? A review in the International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine offers insight into the situation. They chronicle a multitude of evidence through epidemiological studies, longitudinal studies, and cross-sectional studies as it pertains to bedding and asthma. It is abundantly evident that synthetic fibers detract from respiratory health. Feather, a natural material, is comparatively stacked up against that of synthetic beddings and not only doesn’t induce asthma like qualities such as wheezing but offers evidence that it is supportive against asthma.

Astutely noted by Crane and Siebers, there are few publications as it relates to studying asthma in infancy and bedding. The data is scarce, but it’s promising. The first to demonstrate feather bedding material posing as a protective effect was Nafstad and company. They initiated a cohort study analyzing the effect of the type of duvet children were exposed to at 6, 12, and 24 months. The conclusion was by age 2 and 4, the children exposed to feather duvets were inversely associated with asthma and other respiratory problems.

Another study out of New Zealand examined whether feather duvets and feather pillowcases were effective in promoting respiratory health. At age 2, this cohort study monitored infants wheezing rates. At age 4, the impact of using feather duvets and pillowcases was studied as it related to the diagnosis of asthma. There were over 500 children monitored, and the minority of the children were sleeping with feather duvets and pillowcases. At both progress markers at 2 and 4 years old, it was found there was a statistical significance in the infants who used feather pillowcases and duvets in preventing wheezing and asthma compared to the infants who were not using feather bedding.

Within the confines of our homes, a consumer’s decision makes all the difference in procuring a restful and healthful sleep. Certainly, industry’s standards, especially in the U.S.A., don’t purposefully tell you what the material of your bedding is made from, but an educated consumer adopts a reductionist mindset. Petroleum based products are harmful to health, while natural fibers at its worst don’t trigger wheezing or asthma, and at its best promote respiratory function throughout a night’s rest.

References

Association, A. L. (2023). Volatile organic compounds. Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

Australian Government. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/vinyl-chloride-monomer-vcm

Bader, W. (2010). Toxic bedrooms: Your guide to a safe night’s sleep SCB Distributors.

Beckett, E. M., Miller, E., Unice, K., Russman, E., & Pierce, J. S. (2022). Evaluation of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from memory foam mattresses and potential implications for consumer health risk – ScienceDirect. Chemosphere, Volume 303 doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134945

Boor, B. E., Järnström, H., Novoselac, A., & Xu, Y. (2014). Infant exposure to emissions of volatile organic compounds from crib mattresses. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(6), 3541-3549. doi:10.1021/es405625q

EPA. (2009). Publication no. 13: Man-made chemicals in private drinking water wells. Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/environmental_health/pdf/13ManMadeChemicalsinPDWWpdf.pdf

Home – GOTS. Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://global-standard.org/

Lugavere, M. (2024). 370: How to detox common environmental pollutants that cause inflammation and disease | stephen cabral, ND

Matsui, E. C., Abramson, S. L., & Sandel, M. T. (2016). Indoor environmental control practices and asthma management. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162589. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-2589

Schreder, E. Whatcom watch online – pollution in people: Toxic chemicals in the bodies of washington residents. Retrieved Mar 9, 2024, from https://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=714

Siebers, R. W., & Crane, J. (2011). Does bedding affect the airway and allergy?: International journal of occupational & environmental medicine. International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2(2), 65-75. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=59652038&site=ehost-live

Sumithra, G., Reddy, R., Kumar, G., Ojha, S., Jayachandra, G., & Raghavendra, G. (2023). Review on composite classification, manufacturing, and applications – ScienceDirect. Materialstoday, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.637

Tran, V. V., Park, D., & Lee, Y. (2020). Indoor air pollution, related human diseases, and recent trends in the control and improvement of indoor air quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2927. doi:10.3390/ijerph17082927

Vandenberg, L. N., Rayasam, S. D. G., Axelrad, D. A., Bennett, D. H., Brown, P., Carignan, C. C., et al. (2023). Addressing systemic problems with exposure assessments to protect the public’s health. Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, 21(Suppl 1), 121. doi:10.1186/s12940-022-00917-0

Zucco, G. M., & Doty, R. L. (2021). Multiple chemical sensitivity. Brain Sciences, 12(1), 46. doi:10.3390/brainsci12010046

Posted in Causal Rewrite, Holistic | Leave a comment

defintion rewrite– gymrat

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Gymrat

Social Media impact on body image judgment

The online world is so stocked with images of human bodies that depending on where we click, and how critical we are of ourselves, we can develop either a healthy appreciation for marvelous physiques or a terribly defective hatred of our own imperfect bodies. But those perfect bodies we see and fear that we will never emulate may actually just be digitized lies that nobody, not even the models themselves we compare ourselves to that even they have never achieved, in which case we’re approaching ourselves for nothing.

The influence on body perception in the age of social media, digital communication, and self-criticism is made worse by the frequency of false representations on social media. “Self-criticism” refers to internalized judgment and is more intense regarding the inaccurate representations of bodies on social media. One major factor in the escalation of body dysmorphia and its detrimental impacts on mental health and social interactions is the ongoing dissemination of an idealized and unrealistic representation of bodies on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Social media users frequently post carefully chosen and digitally improved photographs that substantially alter reality. This behavior is consistent with studies showing the conflicting effects of social media and online communication on the well-being of adolescents, stressing negative consequences. In their 2013 comprehensive survey 43 surveys from 2003 to 2013, Paul Best and others found mixed results regarding the effect of social media on adolescent well-being. Other authors have reported mixed findings, but there was significant evidence that youth who use social media are subject to cyberbullying, depression, and social isolation.

They observed that although technological advances online can offer benefits like heightened self-worth and a sense of social support, they can also put people at risk, worsening problems like cyberbullying, depression, and social isolation. The review’s contradicting findings highlight the need for more investigation to fully comprehend the complex relationships among social media, body image, and mental health. As social media continues to shape societal perceptions of beauty, the challenges associated with maintaining a positive self-image in the digital age remain a critical area for exploration and intervention (Best et al., 2014).

Online spaces for self-presentation and social media play a major role in the significant prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among young users, around the world. An example would be in Saudi Arabia where the nation’s heavy reliance on social media hurts how people feel about their bodies, as demonstrated by the research done in 2020 by Alsaidan et al. BDD is fueled by the impossible standards established by supposed perfect bodies and carefully edited photos on social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat, which create a vicious cycle of comparison and self-criticism. 4.2% of participants in the study satisfied the criteria for BDD, with younger people having a greater risk of the condition. Notably, BDD was linked to more time spent on Snapchat and Instagram and an increased tendency to compare one’s appearance to celebrities on social media. The BDD group reported more incidents of harassment as well as a past medical history of mental health issues. The study conducted by Alsaidan highlights the importance of how social media can cause BDD, by simply comparing it to body images that cause concerns even with skin disfigurements (64.2%) or hair issues (42.3%).

The way that bodies are portrayed on social media correlates to a loss in mental health due to continuous self-criticism. People who are struggling with the increasing gap between their perceived and real identities are more likely to experience anxiety, sadness, and body dysmorphic disorders. A toxic mindset that undermines self-esteem and magnifies negative self-perceptions is fostered by frequent comparison due to social media. Furthermore, a study carried out in 2017 by Gkotsis et al. explores how social media contributes to the development of mental health disorders. The work applies informed analysis posts from the Reddit social media to identify and categorize posts on mental illness based on 11 disorder themes. The results show the potential of deep learning as a research tool, with a 91.08% accuracy rate in identifying postings connected to mental illness and a 71.37% weighted average accuracy rate in choosing the correct theme. To help with organized content and focused interventions for mental health, the study highlights how crucial it is to understand user-generated information on social media platforms.

The impact of social media on modern society is complex and affects social relationships on a worldwide scale. According to another study conducted in 2023 by Azzaakiyyah, social media offers advantages like improved connectedness, cross-cultural interaction, and emotional support. However, challenges arise, including “shared solitude,” as face-to-face interactions decline. When people create their online personas, their formation of identity changes, leading to unhealthy social comparisons and inaccurate self-perception. Social media promotes inclusivity and community development but makes it easier for false information to propagate. Fostering digital literacy, communication abilities, and moral online conduct are necessary to strike a balance. Education is essential to preserve the integrity of human connections in the digital age because it enables people to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and strike a good balance between virtual and in-person encounters. The influence goes beyond the person and impacts social relationships. Genuine connections suffer from avoidance behaviors resulting from self-criticism. Social media, which was first created to help people connect, unintentionally becomes an escape from loneliness as people avoid deep conversations out of fear of being judged for their presumed physical flaws.

In conclusion, the complex relationship between “self-criticism” and self-body image in the context of social media and self-image creates a complicated web of influences. This has been shown to possibly worsen body dysmorphia and has a severe influence on mental health and interpersonal relationships. While social media can be beneficial in allowing people to communicate and have long-lasting relationships with different individuals in all locations of the world, It is vital to acknowledge the important implications of self-criticism due to social media. Social media can allow individuals to develop an online community that embraces inclusivity and support. Moving forward, it is important to encourage people to accept and value who they really are. This becomes critical for overcoming the obstacles presented by the digital age, encouraging sincere relationships, and fostering community well-being.

References

Alsaidan, M. S., Altayar, N. S., Alshmmari, S. H., Alshammari, M. M., Alqahtani, F. T., & Mohajer, K. A. (2020). The prevalence and determinants of body dysmorphic disorder among young social media users: A cross-sectional study. Dermatology reports, 12(3), 8774. https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2020.8774 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7772767/\

Gkotsis, G., Oellrich, A., Velupillai, S., Liakata, M., Hubbard, T. J. P., Dobson, R. J. B., & Dutta, R. (2017). Characterisation of mental health conditions in social media using informed Deep Learning. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/srep45141#citeas

Azzaakiyyah, H. (2023). The Impact of Social Media Use on Social Interaction in Contem-porary Society. Retrieved from https://journal.literasisainsnusantara.com/index.php/tacit/article/view/33/49

best, paul, manktelow, roger, taylor, brian, Barak, A., Campbell, R., Davis, K., … Killick, C. (2014). Online communication, social media and Adolescent Wellbeing: A systematic narrative review. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740914000693

Posted in Def/Cat Rewrite, GymRat, Portfolio—Gymrat | 1 Comment

Causal Argument-ravensfan

Posted on March 12, 2024 by ravensfan8

Exercising to Increase Brain Power

Exercising has more benefits than just working out like cognitive mental acuity. When exercising multiple times a week it will increase the way your brain processes. Most of the time people workout to either get big or lose weight. People also just work out to stay in shape and feel good. Working out is not just that though. It can actually benefit the way your brain processes.When exercising most people do not understand that it is strengthening their brain. A person goes into the gym and does a set of dumbbell curls. Most likely that person will do eight to ten reps of the three sets. Then move onto a next set of arm exercises because dumbbell curls are an arm workout specifically for the bicep. Little do they know that it strengthens their brain. This is helping the brain have a set routine and makes a person more determined in life outside of working out.

This is where the cognitive part of working out comes into play. Most of the time working out is looked at as being hard. There are tons of people who do not work out because they believe it is too difficult and are lazy. A recent study that came out, “The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that evolved most recently, and it can be exquisitely sensitive to even temporary everyday anxieties and worries. When things are going well, the prefrontal cortex acts as a control center that keeps our baser emotions and impulses in check.” The prefrontal cortex which is basically the cognitive control center that makes a person want to do difficult tasks. A great example of strengthening this part of the brain is exercising. Exercising everyday can help make this part of the brain better. The effect of this is that it can help in day to day scenarios. People do not really like doing things that they do not like and exercising can get a person to do uncomfortable things.

The brain’s cognitive processing can actually be sped up by working out. Working out can make the brain’s cognitive processing faster and sharp. Cognitive processing is, “Cognitive function or cognitive functional system is understood as the phases in the information process, such as perception, learning, memory, attention, readiness, reasoning power, and problem solving.” The effect of this is great because a person can process thoughts and ideas faster. This can also affect how aware a person can be. While running fast on a treadmill or lifting weights this is actually helping your cognitive processing by 10 times the amount if you were just going day to day. There is little to no risk to increase cognitive function by working out. Instead of surgeries or medicines, exercising is a great way because it helps one stay in shape.

On the other hand, exercising can actually help your brain stay organized. People you exercise every week understand that they need to make a mental schedule on when they are going to work out. If working out five times a week there needs to be at least forty five minutes to an hour of your day. Now a person builds around that and has a much more organized schedule. This helps anxiety and makes the brain a lot more clearer. A lot of people have anxiety because they are unorganized and do not have a routine. Exercising can benefit someone who needs the organization mentally.  

Many people think that exercising is only for physical attributes. When in reality it is not there is more than just exercising to make your body look good. It is like the saying “Look good,feel good”. When you work out you are both physically making the body better and mentally making the brain stronger. A person’s mental state is very important because it can help you live a longer and better life.There are many people who suffer from mental illnesses. Exercising can help benefit from having them. This is because exercising is beneficial for having a healthy brain.  

There is more to exercising than just physical aspects of it. It can help strengthen the brain’s cognitive function and decrease mental illness. When exercising multiple times a week it can help speed up your cognitive processing and also help you stay mentally organized.

References

Antunes, H. K. M., Santos, R. F., Cassilhas, R., Santos, R. V. T., Bueno, O. F. A., & Mello, M. T. de. (2006). Exercício físico e função cognitiva: uma revisão. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Do Esporte, 12(2), 108–114. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1517-86922006000200011

Arnsten, A., Mazure, C. M., & Sinha, R. (2012). This is Your Brain in Meltdown. Scientific American, 306(4), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0412-48

The health benefits of exercise. (n.d.). Siegeljcc.org. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.siegeljcc.org/blog/2022/01/24/fitness/the-health-benefits-of-exercise/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw6yuBhDrARIsACf94RVfxkOef7Re9OWXbnKX7fVv5lXoK1jJz4yYpHwc-5ngSR9XeQq6lq4aAtY2EALw_wcB

Posted in Causal Argument, RavensFan | 4 Comments

Casual Argument- HockeyFan

Posted on March 11, 2024 by hockeyfan

Needs a Title

National League Hockey is one of Americas favorite sports. People from not only the US, but also boarding countries across the world find hockey to be a sport to be a daily pleasure to watch. Going to see your favorite team in action, as well as seeing your favorite players skate around the ice is a treasure to hockey fans. However an injury on the ice could not only sadden the fans, but also hurt the player enough that they are out of the game for weeks, or even forever. 

A Hockey player tends to spend their whole adolescent life playing hockey and preparing for the National League teams. During the Junior League players are required to wear full covering helmets. In their study, “The Avoidability of Head and Neck Injuries,” Biasca and others declare that helmets with face guards help to prevent facial fractures during the game. When they move up to the big league the helmets get a little different, it is only covering their head and their eyes. This causes more facial features during the game when a collision happens on the ice. 73.5 out of 1000 players contracted a facial injury during a game wearing an NHL regulated helmet. However only 16 out of 1000 players received a facial injury due to the fact that they were wearing a fully covering helmet.

The number of minor brain traumas, as well as concussions has risen over the years and will continue to rise. Even though the NHL has added more penalties such as checking from behind, and head checking it has still not done enough to bring down the number of injuries down significantly enough. This poses the question of whether the NHL is really doing enough regulation to protect the players from injury causing them to be taken out of the game for a short period, or the rest of their career.

Chances are when you go to a hockey game a fight will break out at some point. Hockey is known to have a stronger masculinity dominance surrounding it. This in a way causes more fights in order to prove who is more masculine. The NHL only allows fights on the ice, the Olympics, as well as international teams do not regulate fighting on the ice. It has also been shown that fights on the ice do not attract more fans to the stadiums, or encourage them more to watch the game on the television.

The bottom line is that by the NHL not taking more precautionary measures, and regulating fights on the ice it is causing more injuries than any other sport. If we added more protective gear, and followed the same rules as the Olympics and International teams we would have a safer game. Taking away fights on the ice, and adding more protective gear takes nothing away from the enjoyability of the game. Instead it creates a safer game for the players.

References

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0887302×07303626 | … (n.d.). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328039672_httpjournalssagepubcomdoiabs1011770887302X07303626 

Biasca, N., Wirth, S., & Tegner, Y. (2002, December 1). The avoidability of head and neck injuries in Ice Hockey: An historical review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/36/6/410.short 

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/36/6/410.short

Tandfonline. (n.d.-b). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01596306.2022.2033534

Posted in Causal Argument, HockeyFan, Portfolio—HockeyFan | 3 Comments

Causal Argument – NatureChild

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Naturechild101

A slight change in the sun’s position could cause
the Earth to become Uninhabitable for all life.

The sun’s importance has been ingrained in minds since the dawn of time, leaving the collective understanding that the sun was essentially the “provider of life”.The sun provides us with solar energy, heat, and a light source that continuously supports the further development of life and production as we know it. With the sun providing us with so many benefits, without its energy to provide sustenance, there can be disastrous consequences. If the sun stopped energy production, all life would die, meaning that all organisms using the energy (through photosynthesis and solar respiration) would decrease. Since the majority of living organisms on Earth make up the base of our food chain, eventually all dependent species will be negatively impacted and die out.

From old discovered text, Humanity has recognized in cultures in Egypt, Greece, and Japan the intense role of the sun in sustaining life. In the article “How Ancient Cultures Explained Eclipses” written by Roger Culver, states that “In many cultures throughout human history, the sun was seen as an entity of supreme importance, crucial to their very existence.” (Culver, 2017). The sun’s role since the 14 century B.C.E. (Before the common era) was providing heat, warmth, and sunlight to aid the production of plants and crops. The sun was undoubtedly worshiped by masses of people like the Egyptians and the Maya, believing that this life-giving force was a divine power that controlled survival. Worshipers had the right idea about the benefits of the sun and just decided to acknowledge and honor it differently. That being said, what ultimately depends on the benefits of the sun? Plants! and let’s get into why that is.

The evolution of plant life has been the main support system that keeps human existence rolling and constantly expanding over time. Plants are essential resources to the earth because of photosynthesis. Plants take in carbon dioxide and provide needed nutrients and CO2, to produce clean breathing air for humans and any other species to survive. Plants and their roots are important in supporting nutrients for soil by dying. In the article “The plant-soil Relationship” written by Martin, J. B. (n.d.) states: “Plant roots help to prevent erosion, and when plants die, they become the raw material for worms, insects, and microbes to build the nutrient-rich humus that supports robust food webs and promotes good soil structure.” (J.B). If the sun was too far or close by 3-7.5 million kilometers, the Earth would leave the habitual zone for all living processes to occur and the repercussions of this would be dire for everything else dependent on plants. Constant production of life forces would disappear from Earth due to the disturbance in the chain of life and cause a domino effect if the sun’s position were to change. 

Calculated energy rates from the sun have been reported to differ slightly on a day-to-day basis. Different energy rates can affect the distribution of how much energy is received on the Earth’s surface and where. If the solar energy output changes, The production of clouds will be disrupted in the atmosphere and this will affect how water distribution is conducted as well. Because the water cycle is fully supported by the sun’s energy, a change in energy production would ultimately affect the process of the water cycle. In the article “Solar Energy and the Water Cycle” posted by Earth Labs wrote “The water cycle is driven primarily by the energy from the sun. This solar energy drives the cycle by evaporating water from the oceans, lakes, rivers, and even the soil.” (Labs). This statement supports how important the sun is in supporting how water gets around on Earth. With the sun too far, there won’t be enough solar energy for the water cycle to occur. If the sun was too close, there would be too much energy and heat that results in rapid evaporation, essentially all the water would boil off the earth leaving the oceans like the Sahara Dessert. 

The heat being received initially from the sun would increase exponentially causing the ocean’s temperature to rise. The rise in ocean temperatures would cause aquatic life to deplete especially if species need certain temperatures to thrive and reproduce. The article “Ocean Warming Is One of the Big Climate Change Question Marks” written by the U.S. Government of Accountability Office on November 30, 2023, states: “Marine heatwaves can stress and kill marine life and disrupt ecosystems. For example, they can cause coral bleaching.” (U.S GAO). Some species will be forced to migrate into new areas to continue reproduction and this could lead to more “invasive” species and overpopulation. Increased temperature will also cause coral bleaching, which means the coral will start to get rid of the algae that create their color resulting in the death of reefs and biospheres that are dependent on them.

Negative effects on humans due to increased temperature can be heat-related illnesses such as rashes, exhaustion, and cramps. Dehydration would be a very common occurrence along with poor air quality that could trigger underlying complications within the body and cause the immune system to become challenged. The intense increase in temperature would make day-to-day activities limited due to essentially having a constant heat lamp beaming down on every part of the planet. If we were to be reptiles, this would be perfect for survival however I will leave that discussion to the theorists.

In conclusion, the change in the overall distance of the sun’s position would undoubtedly disturb how the earth has already adapted to be, causing rapid changes in ecosystems, habitats, and biomes. The world, which was once a piece of floating compacted rock, has adapted an accepted distance from the sun and has physically gone through evolutional changes to retain and successfully continue the production of new life at every turn. The Earth nurtures the Plants which produce oxygen and nutrients to sustain human life, aquatic life, animals, geographical landmarks, and so much more. A change in the sun’s position would essentially make Earth food on the stove. If you make it too hot (the sun being too close to the Earth), water will evaporate leading the majority of specimens dependent on it to die off. The Earth would become a constantly overheated rock that continues to burn off anything remaining on the surface, survival rates will reduce and force new adaptation. However, if you make it too cold you’ll be left with frozen oceans and depleting temperatures that would eventually turn the Earth into the next Pluto.

References

Culver, R. (2017, August 17). How ancient cultures explained eclipses. Colorado State University News. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://source.colostate.edu/ancient-cultures-explained-eclipses/

Martin, J. B. (n.d.). The Plant-Soil Relationship – KidsGardening. Kids Gardening. Retrieved March 10, 2024, from https://kidsgardening.org/resources/lesson-plans-the-plant-soil-relationship/


2A: Solar Energy and the Water Cycle. (n.d.). SERC. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://serc.carleton.edu/eslabs/weather/2a.html

Posted in Causal Argument, NatureChild, Portfolio—NatureChild | 2 Comments

Causal Rewrite— Ilovebees

Posted on March 10, 2024 by ilovebeesss

Cause and Effect of Tears

No matter how we attempt to rationalize the notion that a singular emotion acts as the primary instigator of tears in situations influenced by various factors such as anger, grief, sadness, and others, it becomes evident that a combination of complex emotions is instrumental in precipitating crying. Consequently, the quest to identify a solitary emotional reaction responsible for tears occurring reveals that it is the interaction of multiple emotions that gives rise to this expressive outcome.

To understand the complexity of this argument, let’s look at the example where we have two children and they both compete in a swimming competition in different age categories. The oldest child always wins. She wins today and we experience joy, but we don’t cry. The youngest child never wins, but today he wins and we cry. We don’t cry for the simple fact that he won a competition, on the contrary, we cry because we know all the effort that the youngest child put in to win that competition. The culmination of years of worry, doubt and anticipation. We cried with relief as we feared his disappointment, hoped for his success, and carried the weight of his struggles on our shoulders. We cried because we were worried that our focus on his sister might have overshadowed his training and we hoped he would find his own path to victory. Our tears are the repressed emotions that have been building up inside us.

When an individual goes through a situation that triggers a complex range of emotions, often these emotions are in conflict with each other, and crying arises as a physical manifestation of these feelings and emotions. Tears are not the exclusive result of a singular emotion; rather, they arise from the complicated interweaving of several emotional threads. For example, if a person only feels angry toward another person, tears may not be the immediate response. However, when this anger coexists with feelings of guilt, perhaps arising from the recognition that the other person has been consistently kind, except for a failure to acknowledge a particular issue, emotional conflict develops. The inability to express oneself without feeling bad for doing so can create a pressing need for a physical outlet, leading to the act of crying as a means of expression.

The same applies to college students who face situations that, such as failing a class, can dominate and completely change their existence and the path of their future. In the journal “Emotional Healing Through Induced Therapeutic Crying: A Mixed Method Approach” Reynold P. Varela, carried out three studies in which theories were explained about the effects that certain individuals have after crying. Varela shows that one of the results of crying is that it “gives one some degree of emotional freedom to release the pain, the burden, the anger, and the emptiness.” They underscore the idea that crying serves as a release of a set of intense emotions rather than a response to a single feeling. The effect of tears, therefore, is not simply a consequence of the situation but a means to achieve resolution and emotional expression. This supports the idea that an individual does not cry as a result of a single emotion but rather a set of intense emotions that results in the feeling of liberation. This release provides a necessary pause for emotional discharge, allowing one to gather the forces necessary for a resilient ascent.

Applying this to the previously mentioned example of college students facing situations such as failing a class, we have the pre-exam situation that includes “test prep anxiety-tears”. In this situation, the student is accumulating the fear of failure. That fear is not the fear of a test. It is the fear that, as a result, their life will surely fail because of the high standard that is imposed on obtaining an education. It’s the panic of not knowing what questions will be on the exam along with the stress of wondering if they will cry during the test. At this moment there is no liberation as everything is helplessness and panic.

After this student fails the exam, “post-failure tears” will take place. This would be due to anger at failing, and guilt for not studying enough. Panic in the face of a diminished future. There is no liberation here either. But when the student miraculously passes the test, the “tears after passing the test” occurs. They get an immense release from the panic and fear of it. They cry because they know how narrowly they escaped disaster. They cry because they are still angry at themselves for being in a situation where they could have easily failed, but they have affirmed their ability to pass even when they did not prepare as well as possible.

The effect of conflicting emotions is to cry but the effect of tears is to feel that the situation has been resolved in some way. The relief that comes from crying comes from the realization that, through this emotional release, you have found a way to express yourself. Not simply the emotions that contributed during the crisis are conveyed, but rather the frustration of dealing with these conflicting feelings without a clear resolution. According to the book “Crying: The Natural & Cultural History of Tears” by Tom Lutz, “Crying often occurs at precisely those times when we are least able to fully verbalize complex, “overwhelming” emotions, least able to fully articulate our manifold, mingled feeling.” If an individual’s capacity to communicate and convey their emotions has been thwarted by the overwhelming array of feelings, the immediate response is often tears. 

The natural drive for control is a fundamental aspect of human nature. When we face challenging situations, we can lose this sense of control due to the helplessness of not being able to express the desired feelings vocally, so gaining a sense of control can be empowering and can even help people cope with certain emotions effectively. Crying is the factor that provides a feeling of control since the individual is actively accepting that they have no control over the situation, which counterintuitive provides a feeling of power, at least in the physiological realm. Although crying may not rectify the problems that cause the emotional crisis or stop the different emotions experienced, it serves as a conduit that connects the individual with this sense of control despite the complexities of the situation.

Another factor to take into account is that in addition to the effect of tears, they can provide mood stabilization. The journal, “Meaning and Importance of Weeping” by C.V Bellieni, describes an analysis in which the mood of 28 people who objectively cried and 32 who did not cry was rated, compared before and immediately after watching an emotional film. The researchers concluded that, after the initial deterioration in mood after crying that was observed in laboratory studies, mood quickly became even less negative than before the emotional event. Reiterating that crying could provide a feeling of relief and security that resulted in increasing the mood of the individuals.

In conclusion, attempts to classify tears into singular types are challenging, as the act of crying arises as a physical outcome when individuals experience situations that provoke a complex range of conflicting emotions. This action is evident in various settings, from personal relationships to the academic challenges faced by college students. Conflicting emotions or feelings lead people to cry, but the effect of tears is the idea or feeling that the situation has been resolved in some way. The relief that comes from crying comes from the recognition that through this emotional release, one has found a way to communicate and cope with overwhelming and complex feelings that may have been difficult to articulate verbally. Furthermore, crying offers a semblance of control in difficult situations since crying is a conscious acceptance of the lack of control over a situation, paradoxically empowering individuals since they have done something about the situation, in this case crying. This suggests that crying provides a feeling of relief and security and ultimately contributes to improving overall mood.

References

Becht, M. C., & Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M., (1997). Crying and Mood: A Cross Cultural Study Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Tilburg UniversityTilburg, The
Netherlands

Bellieni, C. V. (2017). Meaning and importance of weeping. New Ideas in Psychology, 47, 72-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2017.06.003

Lutz, T. (2001). Crying: The Natural & Cultural History of Tears. https://books.google.com/books?hl=es&lr=&id=Nb1f9MpgO8IC&oi=fnd&pg=PA13&dq=crying+releases+emotions+&ots=P3NEs2YTwA&sig=xejiuCM9bk7Ky3wBlgU59XpPG2U

Posted in Causal Rewrite, ILoveBees, Portfolio—ILoveBees | 9 Comments

Causal Argument- TheGamer 2.0

Posted on March 10, 2024 by The Gamer 2.0

Strategic partnerships Leading to significant brand exposure

We all watch sports or have watched sports sometime in our lives, and one thing that people also look at are the sneakers that the players wear. Sneakers are a big part of sports. They have the ability to have control on the court or on the field, plus they also look nice on the feet. That’s where the brands you wear have an impact, because it’s not only because of the brand that you wear, but also because of the comfort it gives, the stability, the traction, and also the looks. 

A company’s goal is to reach the top, make their product, and simply put it out there with one vision in mind, which is to make money. On the other side, New Balance does not only want to make it to the top, but they also want to provide each customer with the utmost care and quality over quantity. When producing a product, you always should put your best into what you put out there. People see that and admire it, and that’s what got New Balance in the game for years because of their passion and their dedication. 

Strategic thinking is a process involving being able to analyze situations and understand long-term objectives with effective plans and actions that help you achieve those objectives. With New Balance, they have mastered this and implemented it into their brand, and that skill is what brought them to the top.

The partnerships that they have made along their journey have brought them to where they are. The introduction of Cameron Brink, the first female basketball athlete for New Balance. Brink, a multiple-time All-American, WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, and FIBA 3×3 World Cup MVP, served as a brilliant marketing tactic that New Balance pulled, bringing more eyes to the brand and also developing Cameron more as an athlete. In the article, Naveen Lokesh, Head of Basketball Sports Marketing at New Balance, said in a statement, “Cameron’s exceptional skill on the court and her desire to give back align perfectly with New Balance’s desire to change the game for the better. We are excited to support Cameron in reaching new heights in her career and contributing to the growth of women’s basketball for years to come.” New Balance has a long history of sponsoring female athletes in track and field, and expanding is only going to bring them higher and higher than the other competitors. They are community-driven to create positive change in the lives of young, female athletes, which is the right decision in this day and age. The world is changing at a rapid rate, and it’s only smart to adapt to the changes quickly, and New Britain has understood that very well. 

New Balance has very good marketing,as evidenced by its sponsorship of major sporting events, including the renowned Front Ruiners New York LGBT Pride Run. Starting in 1982, the event has been able to grow not only in NYC but also worldwide. New Balance is deeply involved in supporting initiatives such as Changing the Game: The GLSEN Sports Project. This project is committed to uplift the benefiting caregivers, coaches, students, and school administrators alike. With a generous donation of $600,000, New Balance aims to impact over 1 million students by 2025 through this program. Moreover, in 2021–2022, New Balance funded 15 scholarships, particularly supporting black students pursuing studies in the entrepreneurship and footwear industries. The establishment of the Black Talent Design & Fashion Fund underscores New Balance’s commitment to facilitating student success by removing barriers to education and providing necessary resources. Remarkably, New Balance’s growth isn’t solely measured in statistics; it’s rooted in community engagement and advancement, reflecting its ethos of evolving alongside its stakeholders rather than leaving them behind. This dedication is what distinguishes New Balance and underscores its significance in today’s world.

New Balance’s strategic focus on capturing the attention of the next generation by representing a bold move, showcasing that they have developed forward-thinking and approached the positioning as leaders in the industry. Their recent sponsorship deal with the Brazilian prodigy, Endrick, ahead of his transfer to Real Madrid adds another impressive chapter to their portfolio. Endrick joins a unique list of soccer talents endorsed by New Balance, including the likes of Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Sadio Mane, all of whom have left a significant mark on the sport.

In conclusion, New Balance’s journey to success proves that their mark, commitment to quality, and dedication to a positive impact come with strategic thinking and exposure. Through strategic thinking and a focus on community engagement, New Balance has not only reached the top of the sports industry but also set a standard for others to see. Their ability to adapt to changing trends, embrace diversity, and empower athletes of all different backgrounds reflects on their growth as a company.

References:

New Balance Makes Stanford Star Cameron Brink The Brand’s First Female Basketball Athlete

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2023/08/15/new-balance-makes-stanford-star-cameron-brink-the-brands-first-female-basketball-athlete/?sh=222d619439d8

Sport Culture

https://www.newbalance.com/sport-culture.html

New Balance renews Official Sponsorship with NFCA

https://nfca.org/divnews/general/new-balance-official-sponsor-renewal-2024

Real Madrid-bound Endrick swaps Nike for New Balance

Real Madrid-bound Endrick swaps Nike for New Balance
Posted in Causal Argument, Portfolio—TheGamer, TheGamer2.0 | 2 Comments

causal argument — gymrat

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Gymrat

Adolescents Ruining their Self-Image with Social Media

Adolescent self-image around the world keeps deteriorating because of social media. Over time with the growing influence social media has been having on adolescents today and even the younger generation who have been growing up with phones, it has been seen that those kids have harsher self-criticism about body image. With this continuing and the younger generation being born with phones, society will start depending on false reality of what they are meant to look like; as well as increasing metal health disorders.

The adolescent stage of a person’s life is the most vulnerable. With social media now being a part of the everyday world and society it has made it easier for adolescents to gain body image issues. One of the problems with this is the amount being consumed. The article, Reducing Social Media Use Significantly Improves Body Image in Teens, Young Adults stated, “Youth are spending, on average, between six to eight hours per day on screens, much of it on social media.” Constant scrolling for hours leads people to see those whom they follow, “celebrities and fashion or fitness models, which we know leads to an internalization of beauty ideals that are unattainable for almost everyone.” Not only are adolescents getting pounded on a day-to-day basis with seeing these people on their social media and wanting to look like them, but they are also being lied to and they still believe it. This is what leads to mental health issues and eating disorders.

Social media first has to affect the brain in order to start affecting the teenagers body image, which is why mental health and body image have a strong correlation. The article, Influence of Social Media on Teenagers’ Body Image, talks about how social media has “the added pressure…on influencing body image for adolescents heightened by the content.” The pressure comes from the “influencers” teenagers watch and see the way they look and live and want the lifestyle. Body image dissatisfaction can range from extreme thinness, large breasts, V shapes, 6 packs, toned arms, and so much more. Teenagers are basically prayed upon by social media because they continue to scroll with the desire of wanting to look like their idol still being present. Often times with unrealistic bodies that are nowhere near healthy but because it looks “good” it becomes a desire.

Growing up at a day an age where social media is accessible to anyone no matter the age is already going to take a big toll on peoples appearance. In an article published by Psych Central, How Does Social Media Affect Body Image, state another big issue comparison and competition, when in reality it is all fake. The article states, “many people tend to post only their best photos, which may not be representative of their everyday appearance.” Which is true a majority of the time. To add Photoshop, filter,posing, and lightinh all play a huge role on how a picture will look and make your body look. This leading people to start believing in unrealistic beauty standards, without realizing the pictures are not even natural.

There are “positives” that comes with social media and body image as well. Recently there has been seen a lot of health and fitness inspiration. Psychcentral states, “Social media can provide inspiration for leading a healthy and active lifestyle.” Having community, support, and body positivity groups. community and support are groups for “people working through body image disorders.” A great way to find others that are like you in the sense of not loving the body you have and learning to love yourself. Body positivity groups lead to more self love and acceptance as well. With the groups there was a study done in 0221 where 233 females participated and found that, “Participants who observed positive social media either with or without caption experienced improvemnts in body satisfaction.” This itself can all be seen as a positive because of the sound of it, but it comes with negatives. With health and fitness inspiration could lead to people with leaner builds be disatisfied with their bodies because thhey do not eat or look like those who lafre more physically active. With community and support it can be a positive for the people to meet others like them, but also a negative because people tend to feed off of one another. If one person shres their disorder another person does and ithere is a bomding experience with the disorder. Nothing in reality is being done there is just more of an understanding and acceptance of how there is no self love to potentially lead to self love. Body positive groups sound great, until the wrong person gets access to the post and becomes greatly critical of their body.

Adolescents should not be spending six to eight hours of their day mindlessly scrolling; just to end up in a worst position from where they started. Posts deceive everyda, not everything seen on social media is real. everyone posts the best pictures of themselves because it is the best version. Social media is deteriorating teenagers minds with crushing their body image slowly. Even though there are some things seen as positive it all depends on perception. However we want to see soemthing it will be seen in our point of view. Looking at mental health and the usage of social media it can be seen that social media does not have a positive outlook.

References

Goldfield, Gary. (2023). Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/social-media-body-image

Nierengarten, M. B., M.A. (2017). Influence of social media on teenagers’ body image. Contemporary Pediatrics, 34(10), 21-22. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rowan.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Finfluence-social-media-on-teenagers-body-image%2Fdocview%2F2017969955%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D13605

Pedersen, T. (2023). Social media and body image: What’s the link? Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/health/how-the-media-affects-body-image#postive-effects

Posted in Causal Argument, GymRat, Portfolio—Gymrat | 3 Comments

Causal Argument – Temporal

Posted on March 10, 2024 by temporal111

Elitist language

Oftentimes, people might tell others that they’re speaking incorrectly, or that they’re language is inappropriate or impure. Although this can be true if they’re syntax is completely unintelligible, many times, this can have no meaning outside of pure elitism. Many attempts at trying to purify language is the cause of the wealthy upper class not accepting the language of the poorer class.

An important distinction of inappropriateness of language is when it’s within a culture, and when it’s developed and then established by cultures to other cultures. For example; before the protestant reformation, the bible was not translated from Latin to the common European languages, such as German, Italian, etc. This was because only the upper class priests spoke Latin, and thus, only they could read and interpret what the bible said, and thus, heavily determined how life in the middle ages occurred (the middle ages were almost completely run by the church). Therefore, because the Latin language was considered more proper than the language of the common people, the elites were able to discriminate against them.

Another example comes from MIT linguist Noam Chomsky, who revolutionized the field of linguistics at a young age, and was once asked in an interview what, say, the French theorists mean when they say they want to keep the French language pure. “That doesn’t mean anything” was his response. Language is extremely subject to change and evolution. Chomsky goes on to explain that in fact, because, for most of history, and even in many places today, people speak a different language than the people in the next village over, the concept of a national language is a modern phenomenon. In addition, because language will naturally evolve anyway, there is no point in trying to control it, and there is especially no point in trying to purify it considering some forms of language to be “impure”, whatever that means, based on things like social class. For instance, if language is constantly subject to change from location to location, then which one is “correct?” due to there not being any meaningful measure of how much better, or more pure a language would be, it would be a completely arbitrary decision in that regard.

An example of how the concept of unnecessarily controlling language is specifically targeted towards the common man is through the etymology of the word “vulgar.” People might  know the word vulgar to mean disgusting or vile, and it certainly does hold that connotation, but its original meaning was simply “common.” Because the word originally meant common,  it was then associated with the common people. And because the common people were associated with being vile, the word vulgar then developed that connotation as well. This then means that calling a word vulgar is really just associating it with common people in a negative way, which is complete elitist bullshit.

Another huge example of unnecessary language prohibition is the idea of curse words, which are words that are deemed to be inappropriate in certain circumstances. By inappropriate, I mean that if someone were to say one of these words in any general situation, it would be considered rude or inappropriate. Now, that would not be true in a very informal setting, such as a local bar, or just friends hanging in the privacy of their own home, but it would hold in most circumstances. Some of these words include but are not limited to: “fuck”, “shit”, “piss” and “ass.” One might notice that these words can all be expressed using words that have the same meaning, but for some reason are not considered to be inappropriate. Examples of these words, respectively, are: “intercourse”, “feces”, “urine”, and “gluteus maximus.” It seems redundant to frown upon “shit”, but “feces” is relatively formal. The origin of some of these words has to do with the merging of languages throughout history, as well as the role that language plays in social classes. 

The reasons for why the lower and upper class differ in language varies, but one important example is the Battle of Hastings. This battle took place in 1066 between the Normans (norse/french people) and the Anglo Saxons (the ancestors of the modern day english), and the Normans were the successors. As a result, the Normans were the ruling class, and the anglo saxons were the poor working class. (Vizarra, 2019). Now, due to the merging of these cultures, the languages also merged, changing the English language. An example of such change is the words used for food. The working class referred to animals they worked with using english words (i.e. cow and pig), whereas the elites referred to the animals that were served to them in Norman (beef and pork). 

The english words were considered less refined, and sometimes, so bad, that they developed into curse words; like the word shit for example, of Anglo Saxon origin (Dent, 2018).

It’s not just curse words that this happens too. The word “ain’t” used to be considered proper, believe it or not. But then, “ain’t became associated with lower-class characters” (Thesaurus.com, 2019). And now, ain’t is associated with the lower class, improper grammar, and isn’t really even considered to be a word. However, some might notice that it’s literally just a contraction of “am not”. This just goes to show that time after time, elites will consider certain forms of language (typically that of the poorer class) to be improper for no good reason whatsoever, and that these norms are carried throughout time, usually unquestioned. It seems as though the reason why it’s done is to subtly discriminate against people of the lower classes from the upper class.

Curse words tend to form around taboo subjects. As (Orlando 2023) put it, “profanity can also come from language involving sex and sexual acts, as well as bodily functions.” They also tend to evolve around sacred subjects such as religion (for example, it’s generally inappropriate to exclaim “Jesus Christ! As an interjection). This means that they do form naturally, it’s not all just the doing of elitism, however, elitism clearly exasperates it and creates more ideas of purity in language than necessary.

So in summary, because people in power want to remain tend to try and control or purify language, seemingly out of an unwillingness to accept other cultures, and as a way of othering the lower class. Curse words tend to originate from touchy subjects, but many times will be exasperated by the upper class to belittle the lower class. So the next time you feel that your language isn’t proper or refined, just remember that the idea of a proper language is arbitrary and baseless, so that if your language effectively communicates to people, then it’s completely valid.

References

AHEF. (2017, March 17). The Reformation Led to the Translation and Printing of the Bible into 

the Peoples’ Common Languages. American Heritage Education Foundation, Inc. https://americanheritage.org/translation-printing-bible-common-languages

Chomsky, N. (1989). Noam Chomsky: upon reflection interview with al page 

The Concept of Language (Noam Chomsky) (youtube.com)

Dent, S. (2020, October 9). Susie Dent: how English swear words went away from the holy and back to the shit again. inews.co.uk. https://inews.co.uk/opinion/columnists/susie-dent-english-swear-words-171621#:~:text=The%20word%20comes%20from%20%E2%80%98scitte%E2%80%99%2

Dictionary.com. (2019, August 11). Why Is “Ain’t” Such A Controversial Word? Thesaurus.com. https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/aint-amnt-haint-baint/

Orlando, A. (2023, September 5). The history of swear words: Where the &%@! do they come from? Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/the-history-of-swear-words-where-the-and-do-they-come-from

Vizarra, I. ( 2019, October 14). Battle of Hastings: The War that Changed the Course of English Language Forever. Medium. https://medium.com/@ianvizarra/battle-of-hastings-the-war-that-changed-the-course-of-english-language-forever-c85f3d1269b7

vulgar | Etymology of vulgar by etymonline. (n.d.). Etymonline. https://www.etymonline.com/word/vulgar

C%20%E2%80%98excrement%E2%80%99%20%28and%20not%2C,majority%20of%20swear%20words%20are%20Anglo-Saxon%20in%20origin.

Posted in Causal Argument, Temporal | 2 Comments